On a recent episode of his ‘Hall of Fame’ podcast, Booker T shared his thoughts on Ilja Dragunov securing the NXT Championship against Carmelo Hayes at WWE NXT: No Mercy.
The WWE Hall of Famer heaped praise upon “The Mad Dragon,” commending his strong work ethic, character dedication, and versatility as a performer. Booker T acknowledged Dragunov’s unique ability to make him question his surroundings in the wrestling arena, saying,
“Nobody works harder than Ilja Dragunov. He’s a throwback to those guys back in the day who just went out there and performed but in the ring. But he’s a performer outside of the ring as well. He brings everything for me from the way he walks, the way he talks, the way he dresses, and then the way he goes out goes out in the middle of that ring and performs with anybody. He was a guy that I questioned at one point as far as being a guy who could work with anybody. I didn’t believe that at one point, but I definitely believe it now. Just because he made me a believer, he wasn’t a guy that just phoned it in and or anything like that. He wasn’t a guy that. Gimmick me in or anything like that. It was all about just how he went out and fought and made me believe that he was fighting and made me believe. Knowing what I spent my money on when I first purchased the ticket, I knew what I was buying. But when I saw Ilja Dragunov, I wondered if I was in the right arena. Maybe so when a guy can make me feel like that in this business.”
Booker T also highlighted the wrestler’s genuine passion for success and recognized Dragunov as one of the best talents in the business. He said,
“He’s next level. He’s extraordinary. He’s. He’s second to none. So watching Ilja finally cash in and win the championship. Something I know is that I know that’s where that passion comes from. He wants to be a winner. He wants to be the guy. And for him now to finally be the guy after I’ve been there for almost a year now and watching this guy perform week in, week out. Not being in that position. Not crying about it. Not on the Internet. Talking about something stupid. Appreciate him. He’s one of the best.”
